So Much New "Smart" Technology

Are you ready for a smart fridge?

This news article discusses a new 'smart' refrigerator that is Wi-Fi enabled and has an 8-inch touchscreen that provides access to various apps on the front. As the writer notes, it is a huge step up from the magnets, paper, and sticky notes that we're used to adorning the fronts of our refrigerators. The apps that come with the refrigerator include a recipe finder, a weather reporting service, news application, Pandora for music, Picasa for photos, and Google calendar that can keep in sync with smartphones, computers, or other devices that are compatible with Google Calendar. As innovative as it sounds, it's actually not that innovative in reality. There have been "smart" refrigerators that have been conceptualized and created in the past, but have never really caught on in popularity. However, in today's high-tech wireless world that is already used to dozens of apps on all our devices - from phones to televisions to cars - it would not be surprising if this refrigerator also caught on.
It seems like every device that is close to us or central (at all) to our living has been recently outfitted with Wi-Fi and plethoras of applications. It's an interesting trend that I don't see ending anytime soon. Smart phones have become a norm rather than a luxury. Has "smart" technology gone too far in its application to refrigerators? I don't think so. Refrigerators are central to many homes, being an integral part of any modern kitchen. I think that it's a good idea actually - it could shift greater focus to the kitchen as the center of a home. However, at this time, the "smart" refrigerator will probably not catch on because of its steep price tag - at $3,499, the price of the refrigerator will definitely keep the refrigerator out of many homes. In any case, it's a great idea in my opinion and something that I hope will be part of my future kitchen :)